Two thirds of Brits want the PM to do more to tackle cyber-bullying and extremism on social media

And more than two-thirds – 64 per cent – back tougher regulation.

The poll by Edelman UK also reveals far fewer Brits now trust social media companies as a source of news. And in a staggering finding, just a third now believe the sites are “good for society”.

MPs who have fought a running battle with Facebook and Google for the past year said the results of the annual “Trust Barometer” should serve as a wake-up call for the American giants.

Damian Collins, the Tory chair of the Culture and Media Select Committee, told The Sun: “Social media was supposed to bring people together, but in some ways is increasingly pushing people further apart by sowing messages of hate and creating forum where people holding different beliefs are open to vile abuse.”

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Brits want tougher rules on social media giants such as Facebook

“To restore trust, the companies need to give people more control over the content they are exposed to on social media platforms.

“And they need to act faster against known sources of harmful content – including fake news.”

A bombshell report revealed that only 24 per cent of users trust the news from social media

In the Trust Barometer, Edelman UK – one of the world’s biggest marketing and comms agencies – said just 70 per cent of the public believe social media companies don’t do enough to tackle the sharing of extremist content.

But the findings also showed only one in four – 24 per cent – trust social media when looking for news and information, down from 41 per cent a year ago.

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Edelman UK added that trust in politicians remained at “very low levels” – 36 per cent.

Ed Williams, Edelman chief exec, said: “After a flood of negative headlines in 2017, it’s time these companies sat up and listened.

“The public want action on key issues related to online protection, and to see their concerns addressed through better regulation. Failure on their part to act risks further erosion of trust and therefore public support.”

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